The money tree is a popular indoor plant prized for its braided trunk and lush, palmate foliage. While this tropical species is generally hardy and low-maintenance, its continued health depends on receiving proper nutrients. Potted plants draw all sustenance from a finite amount of potting soil, meaning available nutrients become depleted over time. Supplemental fertilization is necessary to ensure the money tree maintains vibrant green leaves and steady growth indoors.
Selecting the Appropriate Fertilizer Type
Look for a product with an equal or slightly higher nitrogen content, as this macronutrient is responsible for leaf production and color. A balanced NPK ratio, such as 10-10-10, 20-20-20, or a ratio favoring nitrogen like 3-1-2, is recommended for general houseplant use.
Water-soluble liquid fertilizers are often preferred for indoor use because they offer greater control over application strength and frequency. The nutrients are immediately available for the roots to absorb, providing a quick boost during active growth periods. Slow-release granular fertilizers are an alternative, offering a steady supply of nutrients over several months. However, liquid formulas allow for precise dilution, which is important for preventing the damaging salt build-up common in potted plants.
Establishing a Seasonal Feeding Schedule
A money tree’s fertilization schedule should follow its natural growth cycles, which vary significantly between seasons. The active growing season occurs in the spring and summer months when light intensity is highest and day length is longest. During this time, the plant is actively producing new leaves and stems, requiring a consistent supply of nutrients.
Feed the money tree once every four to six weeks during the spring and summer. This frequency provides the plant with the necessary fuel without overloading its system. As fall begins and winter approaches, the plant enters a period of dormancy or significantly slowed growth due to reduced light and temperature. Fertilization should be stopped entirely during this dormant period to prevent root damage and nutrient waste.
Proper Dilution and Application Techniques
The most important step in feeding a money tree is diluting the fertilizer to a lower strength than the manufacturer recommends. For most water-soluble liquid fertilizers, dilute the product to half or even one-quarter of the strength listed on the label. This practice minimizes the risk of fertilizer burn, which is caused by an excess accumulation of soluble salts around the root structure.
Always apply the diluted fertilizer solution to soil that is already moist, never dry. Watering the plant with plain water a few hours before feeding ensures the roots are hydrated, creating a buffer that protects them. Pour the fertilizer solution evenly over the soil surface until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Allowing the fertilizer to soak into moist soil ensures that the nutrients are distributed throughout the root zone without concentrating in one area.
Identifying and Addressing Nutrient Imbalances
Visual cues from the money tree’s foliage can signal either a nutrient deficiency or an excess of fertilizer. A lack of nutrients often manifests as general yellowing, or chlorosis, particularly in older leaves, alongside stunted or slow growth. Conversely, over-fertilization results from the build-up of mineral salts in the soil, which can draw moisture out of the plant’s roots, leading to root burn.
Signs of fertilizer burn include brown or scorched leaf tips and margins, wilting, and a white, crusty residue forming on the soil surface or the outside of the pot. If over-fertilization is suspected, the immediate corrective action is to “flush” the soil.
Flushing the Soil
- Thoroughly saturate the potting mix with a large volume of clean, plain water.
- Allow the water to drain completely multiple times to wash away the excess salts.
- After flushing, reduce the concentration and frequency of future fertilizer applications.